SBIR Phase I: Polarization-diverse leaky-mode resonance biosensors in compact format

This Small Business Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project aims to develop a new class of biosensors based on the guided-mode resonance effect in thin periodic films to monitor complete biochemical binding events without foreign tags. The fact that the resonant sensors operate without chemical tags permits observation and study of unperturbed biochemical processes, as no foreign substance needs to be introduced. Therefore, these sensors can provide enhanced understanding of chemical and bio-molecular processes and may lead to advances in chemical process development, drug discovery, and defense applications. The new class of sensors proposed could have high impact on areas such as medical diagnostics, drug development, proteomics, genomics, environmental monitoring, and homeland security."